2017 CAPITAL CLUBHOUSE GALA

On November 9th, 2017, Capital Clubhouse Inc. hosted its annual Gala at the DAR Museum in Washington, DC. The event had almost 200 attendees and featured remarks by renowned community psychiatrist, Ralph Aquila, M.D., the Medical Director of Fountain House in New York City, the original clubhouse. The guests represented different sectors of Washington society: local and national politicians, leaders in the mental health field, journalists, philanthropists, and Washingtonians who care about mental health. With the vital support of our 2017 Gala, Capital Clubhouse expects to open its doors in early 2018, allowing the DC area to join the growing ranks of cities and communities embracing the clubhouse model.

The Board and Benefit Committee would like to thank the attendees, Dr. Aquila, the DAR Museum, Frederik De Pue’s Annapolis Restaurant, Flamant, Rappahannock Oyster Company, Jaleo by José Andres, students and teachers from the Columbia Heights Education Campus, Suzanne Codi Floral Design, Kwik Kopy DC, and Sarah Nixon from the Beach Plum Inn for their generous support of this event.​​Clubhouses are community-based centers that offer members a path to recovery from mental illness through friendship, meaningful work, and access to education and housing. The Clubhouse model is unique: members check their illness at the door and are treated as valued members of the community-- not as sick patients who need treatment. Membership is free and for life. Staff and members work side by side to create an atmosphere that fosters recovery, friendship, and the resilience needed to live full and productive lives.